Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the death sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reverberated across Bangladesh and around the world.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the Chief Adviser said the verdict reaffirms a fundamental principle: no matter how powerful, no one is above the law. For the thousands affected by the July 2024 mass uprising—and the families still bearing the scars—the judgement has delivered justice, even if only in part.

“We stand at a critical juncture, rebuilding democratic foundations that were shattered over years of repression. The crimes under trial involved orders to use deadly force against youth and children whose only weapon was their voice. Such actions violated the very bond between the state and its citizens,” Yunus said, adding that these grave acts struck at the core values of Bangladesh—dignity, resilience, and a commitment to justice.

The Chief Adviser noted that nearly 1,400 people were killed during the July movement. “They were not mere numbers—they were our students, parents, and rights-bearing citizens,” he said. Testimonies over the past months revealed how lethal force, even from helicopters, was used against unarmed protesters. The verdict, he added, acknowledges their suffering and reinforces accountability within the justice system.

Bangladesh is reconnecting with global norms of accountability. Students and citizens who stood for change understood this deeply, and many paid with their lives—they sacrificed their present for our future,” Yunus stated.

He emphasised that the path ahead requires not only legal accountability but also rebuilding trust between state institutions and citizens. Understanding why people were willing to risk everything for true representation—and building institutions worthy of that trust—will be essential. Monday’s verdict, he said, is a significant step in that journey.

I firmly believe Bangladesh will confront the challenges ahead with courage and humility. Through our commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and the potential of every individual, justice will not merely survive in Bangladesh—it will take root and grow stronger,” the Chief Adviser added.